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George Harrison — My Sweet Lord
Album: All Things Must Pass
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 976








Released: 1970
Length: 4:33
Plays (last 30 days): 0
My sweet Lord
Hm, my Lord
Hm, my Lord

I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord

My sweet Lord
Hm, my Lord
Hm, my Lord

I really want to know you
Really want to go with you
Really want to show you Lord
That it won't take long, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''

My sweet Lord ''(hallelujah)''
Hm, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''
My sweet Lord ''(hallelujah)''

I really want to see you
Really want to see you
Really want to see you, Lord
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''

My sweet Lord ''(hallelujah)''
Hm, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''
My, my, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''

I really want to know you ''(hallelujah)''
Really want to go with you ''(hallelujah)''
Really want to show you Lord (ahhh)
That it won't take long, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''

Hmm ''(hallelujah)''
My sweet Lord ''(hallelujah)''
My, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''

Hm, my Lord ''(Hare Krishna)''
My, my, my Lord ''(Hare Krishna)''
Oh hm, my sweet Lord ''(Krishna, Krishna)''
Ooh-ooh-ooh ''(Hare Hare)''

Now, I really want to see you ''(Hare Rama)''
Really want to be with you ''(Hare Rama)''
Really want to see you Lord ''(ahhh)''
But it takes so long, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''

Hm, my Lord ''(hallelujah)''
My, my, my Lord ''(Hare Krishna)''
My sweet Lord ''(Hare Krishna)''
My sweet Lord ''(Krishna Krishna)''
My Lord ''(Hare Hare)''
Hm, hm ''(Gurur Brahma)''
Hm, hm ''(Gurur Vishnu)''
Hm, hm ''(Gurur Devo)''
Hm, hm ''(Maheshwara)''
My sweet Lord ''(Gurur Sakshaat)''
My sweet Lord ''(Parabrahma)''
My, my, my Lord ''(Tasmayi Shree)''
My, my, my, my Lord ''(Guruve Namah)''
My sweet lord ''(Hare Rama)''
''(Hare Krishna)''
My sweet Lord ''(Hare Krishna)''
My sweet Lord ''(Krishna Krishna)''
My lord ''(Hare Hare)''
Comments (163)add comment
That slide guitar riff sounds so simple. As a guitar player, let me tell you…it’s not.
This came out just before Christmas 72? 73? I remember sitting in my dad's lazy boy, kicking back (before any personal 'adjustments') and watching the music match the one-at-a-time blinking lights on the tree. 
Strangely - or appropriate? This will always be a Christmas song for me. 
What a wall of sound. I love how it builds up. Ringo (and Jim Gordon) on the skins! Peter Frampton and Clapton on acoustics. What a treasure.
What would the Sweet Lord himself think of this song? I bet he would be flattered and rate it Godlike..
Shouldn't this song automatically be rated 'Godlike' ??
 jules44 wrote:
I'm not religious but this song can make me weep with joy......and sorrow that George is no longer with us...on this planet.

 
There's so much emotion in his voice - almost cracking at times - it's wonderful.
 Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song...

 
Are you filming a sequel to "The Grapes of Wrath" 75 years later?
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song...
I'm not religious but this song can make me weep with joy......and sorrow that George is no longer with us...on this planet.
 hbs47 wrote:
Tedious.

 
{#Beat}
 hbs47 wrote:
Tedious.

 
Yes, you are.
I can't ever really tire of this song. I think in my early teenage, it was the 1st time spirituality/religion of any kind sounded beautiful. 
 gjr wrote:
i remember my older brother bought this lp and "ringo" at about the same time - i was only 10 - but i can still remember hoping and praying back then for a beatle reunion...............that feeling never went away

 
OMG it almost happened! Well...not really. After various promoters offered the Beatles as much as $230 million to reunite, Lorne Michaels did a skit on SNL in which he offered the Fab Four $3,000 to play on the show. Lennon and McCartney were watching the show together at the time and almost got into a cab to the studio just for fun. 

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/beatles-turn-down-230-million-reunion-offer-september-19-1976/

George was performing during that SNL episode, I believe, which would have given the world 3 of the 4. In a separate brief segment, George appears out of the blue as if he's taking up Lorne on his offer of the $3K. Lorne demurs, pointing out that since he's only 1/4 of the band, George should only expect $750. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTj3OsQHWrw 
Gotta love George....
--->
"We're all conditioned, our consciousness has been so polluted by the material energy it's hard to try and pull it all ways in order to really discover our true nature. Every one of us has within us a drop of that ocean and we have the same qualities as God, just like a drop of the ocean has the same qualities as the whole ocean. Everybody's looking for something and we are it. We don't have to look anywhere--it's right there within ourselves." <---

There is a God within.  Loose yourself to find the Holy Spirit.  Selfishness is the opposite of spirituality. 
Tedious.
 wlpendley wrote:
Love, love George.  But if you're going to announce the plagiarism lawsuit was a "bum rap" you should follow this song with the 1963 hit by The Chiffons, "He's So Fine".  Let the listeners decide how similar the two songs really are https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He%27s_So_Fine  :-)
 
Agreed! When I compared the two I was able to make up my own mind. 

Love this song!!! 
 wlpendley wrote:
Love, love George.  But if you're going to announce the plagiarism lawsuit was a "bum rap" you should follow this song with the 1963 hit by The Chiffons, "He's So Fine".  Let the listeners decide how similar the two songs really are https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He%27s_So_Fine  :-)
 
I agree with Bill. Definitely a bum rap.

Love, love George.  But if you're going to announce the plagiarism lawsuit was a "bum rap" you should follow this song with the 1963 hit by The Chiffons, "He's So Fine".  Let the listeners decide how similar the two songs really are https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He%27s_So_Fine  :-)


yes, I know what you're thinking. No translation here, but it's just a matter of "score" "," (comma), and, strange as seem to you, also a writer with Nobel Prize laureate, wrote many of their works without "comma". Moreover, in spoken language, the commas are placed, automatically, by pauses in speech. Now, you have a comment about the music or what?

 
Deadwing wrote:

the second battery Phill Collins in the second electric guitar Tom Petty, and interpreting the body first the incredible voice Billy Preston.

No offense and I am sure you mean well and are a very nice person, but that is the most hilariously atrocious translation I have ever seen.
 

 calypsus_1 wrote:

My Sweet Lord, concert in tribute to George Harrison, Live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aa3ylmxnLM

Eric Clapton in acoustic guitar, electric guitar on George Harrison's son, Paul McCartney at the piano, the first battery Ringo Star, the second battery Phill Collins in the second electric guitar Tom Petty, and interpreting the body first the incredible voice Billy Preston.

Billy Preston, known as the fifth Beatle, played piano and organ in each of the recordings of the group.

Also present at that concert: Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Jethro Tull, and a bunch of friends and contemporaries of the Beatles and the group 'The Cream' by Eric Clapton. Embody the very best, most representative of the late 60's.


 
the second battery Phill Collins in the second electric guitar Tom Petty, and interpreting the body first the incredible voice Billy Preston.

No offense and I am sure you mean well and are a very nice person, but that is the most hilariously atrocious translation I have ever seen.


This is good but "All Things Must Pass" (the single) is great.
My ALL time favorite.
 Zep wrote:

Criminy! It's only four minutes long. Is your attention span that bad?

 
Wouldn't a good attention span be a bad thing if you're listening to something you don't like?

Is it the same gene that makes me dislike Bitter Sweet Symphony that makes me not like this?
I just don't care for this that much. Ya'll enjoy, volume to 0 and I'll see you on the other side!!

My Sweet Lord, concert in tribute to George Harrison, Live

Eric Clapton in acoustic guitar, electric guitar on George Harrison's son, Paul McCartney at the piano, the first battery Ringo Star, the second battery Phill Collins in the second electric guitar Tom Petty, and interpreting the body first the incredible voice Billy Preston.

Billy Preston, known as the fifth Beatle, played piano and organ in each of the recordings of the group.

Also present at that concert: Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Jethro Tull, and a bunch of friends and contemporaries of the Beatles and the group 'The Cream' by Eric Clapton. Embody the very best, most representative of the late 60's.


This song transcends music.
I always love to hear George. There's something about his voice that makes me smile.

Shankar and Harrison  by rising70
https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_first_rays/

Copyright All rights reserved


 Zep wrote:
Criminy! It's only four minutes long. Is your attention span that bad?
 
That makes 3 minutes and 59 seconds (or 4 minutes and 38 seconds, per fredriley) of excessive tedium.

{#Hearteyes}
Anybody hear the opening chords to The Dandy Warhol's "Godless?" Hmm, something fishy here...
 fredriley wrote:

According to the Wikipedia entry it's 4:39 but for some it certainly feels longer. Time is subjective, right enough...

 

It might be the repepepetititrepetitipereptition.  Just sayin'.
 Zep wrote:

Criminy! It's only four minutes long. Is your attention span that bad?

 
According to the Wikipedia entry it's 4:39 but for some it certainly feels longer. Time is subjective, right enough...

I realize that the next clause in my statement is entirely gratuitous and selfish but. . . I don't give a shit either way whether George borrowed anything from the Chiffons' "He's So Fine" or not, IMHO this song kicks that song's ass in a way not describable in simple words. 

I miss you George. . .

{#Meditate}

Sweet, I'd never actually heard this song before.

Now...after those chords in the beginning I was expecting the horns from the Dandy Warhol's "Godless" which I figure must be referencing this song.

-Nathan
Hare Krishna!!!
 Akaiila wrote:
oh sweet lord... does it ever stop?
 
Criminy! It's only four minutes long. Is your attention span that bad?

10-Godlike.
Shivers.  STILL.  All I can do is sit in a puddle of emotion, breathe when the choir kicks in, and just close my eyes. ("Chanting the names of the Lord, and you'll be free...")  This is one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard.  Harrison was an understated genius.  I wish he was still with us, and in good health - imagine what kind of music he'd be producing now!

                                                                      True!   jimbaca (Albuquerque)


 calypsus_1 wrote:


Band members:
Guitars: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, Peter Frampton
Bass guitar: Klaus Voormann, Carl Radle
Orchestral arrangements: John Barham
Keyboards: Gary Wright, Bobby Whitlock, Billy Preston, Gary Brooker
Drums and percussion: Ringo Starr, Jim Gordon, Alan White, Phil Collins, Ginger Baker
Harmonica - George Harrison
Pedal steel guitar (with talk box): Pete Drake
Tenor saxophone: Bobby Keys
Trumpet: Jim Price
Rhythm guitars and percussion: Badfinger


 
Holy Sh*t!  What a lineup!

Thanks, George.  This is the best of your best! 
Listening to the praise vindaloo in this song, I wonder if ol Georgie washed with Dr. Bronner's.  :D
I dont believe in god, i believe in George!
It amazes me that he was sued over this tune.    3 chords in a row, is intellectual property. . . Must have had Judge Ito overseeing.
He makes me a believer.....{#Daisy}

I Me Mine by ~Piper282
Rebecca A. G.  ©2007-2010 ~Piper282

Lovely Georgy in graphite



I always thought this song gets to heaven pretty quickly and then finds the lord doesn't have a whole lot to say.
i remember my older brother bought this lp and "ringo" at about the same time - i was only 10 - but i can still remember hoping and praying back then for a beatle reunion...............that feeling never went away
Love this song. LOVE this album. Loved this man. RIP George. <3


oh sweet lord... does it ever stop?
 romeotuma wrote:


Fantastic slide guitar...  the guitar work in general is great...  love it...


 

Agreed. Awesome!
Hi
 calypsus_1 wrote:


Band members:
Guitars: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, Peter Frampton
Bass guitar: Klaus Voormann, Carl Radle
Orchestral arrangements: John Barham
Keyboards: Gary Wright, Bobby Whitlock, Billy Preston, Gary Brooker
Drums and percussion: Ringo Starr, Jim Gordon, Alan White, Phil Collins, Ginger Baker
Harmonica - George Harrison
Pedal steel guitar (with talk box): Pete Drake
Tenor saxophone: Bobby Keys
Trumpet: Jim Price
Rhythm guitars and percussion: Badfinger


 
Whoof!  What a lineup!
Thanks calypsus1!


...well...  he's so fine....

Ahh, memories of summertime 1971, riding with my Mom in her Chevelle convertible and this was playing on the radio. . .


Band members:
Guitars: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, Peter Frampton
Bass guitar: Klaus Voormann, Carl Radle
Orchestral arrangements: John Barham
Keyboards: Gary Wright, Bobby Whitlock, Billy Preston, Gary Brooker
Drums and percussion: Ringo Starr, Jim Gordon, Alan White, Phil Collins, Ginger Baker
Harmonica - George Harrison
Pedal steel guitar (with talk box): Pete Drake
Tenor saxophone: Bobby Keys
Trumpet: Jim Price
Rhythm guitars and percussion: Badfinger

 

One of my favorite memories from Christmas 1970.  I was only 10 but everybody knew this song.

Number 1 on Billboard for 4 weeks.

That was when a Number 1 song could actually be a great song.



 DELTA__9__FOOLS wrote:
Simply revolting imo.
 
IMO2.

 jagdriver wrote:
Not my favorite cut from this set of tunes (ATMP), but it's certainly palatable. If it wasn't George, though, I'm not sure I'd give it as much rapt attention.

 
{#Iamwithstupid}  Not sure I'm giving it any rapt attention these days, I'm afraid. {#Sleep}

I thought this was a boring song when it first came out. But now its just zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
"My Sweet Lord Hare Krishna" , rama rama lama,  bla bla bla........ 'tis unbearable!


 DELTA__9__FOOLS wrote:
Simply revolting imo.
 
Agreeing with you are mgkiwi, Briandel, and a couple of others. I thought of a funny way to express it. If it's from "All Things Must Pass," I wish it would pass, . . . like a word that rhymes with that begins with the letter "g" (as in "george"). He developed a lot from his wallflower start, but in the process he became so open-minded that his brains . . . . You know the rest.  And as for repetitiousness, it might be another of those there magical incantations. {#No}  {#Rolleyes}

A sweet, mellow, happy tune.{#Bounce}
...no matter how much i feel the beatles are vastly overrated, i can't help but love george harrison...
do lang do lang do lang...he's so fine...
How does this album get a date of 2001? Rerelease?
 Zep wrote:

He's dead. He's not "any" "where" ....
 
Actually, he's merely most likely, just as he is.  Pretty much like the rest of things.
 thewiseking wrote:
hey,if the Beach Boys could rip off Chuck Berry and get away with it, why shouldn't George rip off the Chiffons?
 
If you are referring to "Surfin' USA", Chuck Berry is credited as the co-writer of that song, though not until Brian Wilson was "asked" to do so.

Yawn, repetitive..
 peyotecoyote wrote:
I wonder if this is where George is now.
 
He's dead. He's not "any" "where" ....


 terriertribe wrote:
I have to admit that even though I gave this a 10 I like the version on the Concert for George album even better.

 
I heartily agree. Maybe its just that this version was/is so ridiculously played out on FM radio (clear channel). Ive been hearing this cut since I was 10 & even tho I was raised on the Beatles, I never liked this song. It's just too repetitive. {#Money-mouth}
The cut on Concert for George was nice & refreshing. 
 MrDill wrote:
when this started I really thought it was going to be "godless" dandy warhols, is it just me or is it the same intro and if so is that deliberate? where the warhols making some kind of point or am I being particularly dim?
  My Goodness,, Godless,, Sweet Lord, !
  (is this some kind of lame cover!?){#Whisper}
Not my favorite cut from this set of tunes (ATMP), but it's certainly palatable. If it wasn't George, though, I'm not sure I'd give it as much rapt attention.

when this started I really thought it was going to be "godless" dandy warhols, is it just me or is it the same intro and if so is that deliberate? where the warhols making some kind of point or am I being particularly dim?
I have to admit that even though I gave this a 10 I like the version on the Concert for George album even better.

 HazzeSwede wrote:

What are you growing,that makes you puke like that?
 
Hehehe, it's normally very good but it doesn't mix well, especially with this ssssssoonngggg {#Puke}, ooops sorry!

 thewiseking wrote:
hey,if the Beach Boys could rip off Chuck Berry and get away with it, why shouldn't George rip off the Chiffons?
 

If Newton and Leibniz could independently discover calculus, is it really that hard to imagine two people came up with this tune. 
 mgkiwi wrote:
Sorry - {#Puke} then and still {#Puke}now!
 
What are you growing,that makes you puke like that?
 lophrequa wrote:
just realized where the rhythm guitar from Dandy Worhol's Godless came from...
 
Pawnshop maybe.......?
Sorry - {#Puke} then and still {#Puke}now!
just realized where the rhythm guitar from Dandy Worhol's Godless came from...


I wonder if this is where George is now.
Simply revolting imo.


 big_gare wrote:
I heard George H. interviewed once and he recalled the court hearing re the Chiffon's assertion that he had stolen their tune. The entire case swung on the testimony of an expert "musicologist" who used a big chart with musical notes on it. George's dry wit and humourous story of the hearing were quite hilarious, but I don't think he ever really agreed with the verdict. The "Concert For George" DVD is excellent, BTW, for all you GH fans out there!
  
 

George saw too much and was crucified for it. That was John's dream - but George lived it.



Antigone wrote:
Why have I never noticed how hoarse George sounds on this song?
Years of cigarette smoke... and look where that got him!
It's alright...
Why have I never noticed how hoarse George sounds on this song?
Do Ran! Do Ran! Do Ran! Do Ran!
thewiseking wrote:
hey,if the Beach Boys could rip off Chuck Berry and get away with it, why shouldn't George rip off the Chiffons?
And then the Dandy Warhols rip off George...
hey,if the Beach Boys could rip off Chuck Berry and get away with it, why shouldn't George rip off the Chiffons?
big_gare wrote:
I heard George H. interviewed once and he recalled the court hearing re the Chiffon's assertion that he had stolen their tune. The entire case swung on the testimony of an expert "musicologist" who used a big chart with musical notes on it. George's dry wit and humourous story of the hearing were quite hilarious, but I don't think he ever really agreed with the verdict. The "Concert For George" DVD is excellent, BTW, for all you GH fans out there!
I have the CD... it really is awesome. I love Harrison's appreciation for world music and hearing a little bit from Anoushka Shankar. I thought that was fantastic. Actually, all the Shankars are awesome. Norah Jones (whom I did not know was Ravi Shankar's daughter) is fantastic, too, with her more westernized music.
This one was for the Maharishi-that'll be some reunion! Apparently NASA beamed out 'Across the Universe' on Feb 5th - Lets hope some Understanding bounced right back, and who knows-maybe some Peace and Love might follow !!
stephanos wrote:
Never! Chaos And Creation by Macca for me is a masterpiece. And Lennons Imagine ist also better than All Things....
agree!!!!
I heard George H. interviewed once and he recalled the court hearing re the Chiffon's assertion that he had stolen their tune. The entire case swung on the testimony of an expert "musicologist" who used a big chart with musical notes on it. George's dry wit and humourous story of the hearing were quite hilarious, but I don't think he ever really agreed with the verdict. The "Concert For George" DVD is excellent, BTW, for all you GH fans out there!
bfandreas wrote:
Am I hearing John Lennon in the background choir? ...then again, I heard him in David Bowie's Across the Universe.
Prob just confusing him with George, who's doing his own background vocal on this.
RockinBlueVoodoo wrote:
After George lost the court case and was ordered to pay over $500k in composer's royalties, the Chiffons recorded a version of 'My Sweet Lord' to try and capitalize on the publicity of the lawsuit.
"He's So Sweet"? "My Fine Lord"?
ProfessorFrink wrote:
Would have preferred to hear the superior, and somewhat less overplayed, "What is Life?"
Good call.
Never! Chaos And Creation by Macca for me is a masterpiece. And Lennons Imagine ist also better than All Things.... steeler wrote:
All Things Must Pass -- the best solo effort by any of the Beatles, by far.
I can't listen to this song without thinking at xmas time....
RockinBlueVoodoo wrote:
After George lost the court case and was ordered to pay over $500k in composer's royalties, the Chiffons recorded a version of 'My Sweet Lord' to try and capitalize on the publicity of the lawsuit.
Wow. Talk about rubbing salt in a wound....
Just another classic from one of the greatest rock albums. Not my fave track but any playing of this set is superb.
rulebritannia wrote:
Nice song, but this is one case where I do prefer the original. Chiffons, please, Bill!
After George lost the court case and was ordered to pay over $500k in composer's royalties, the Chiffons recorded a version of 'My Sweet Lord' to try and capitalize on the publicity of the lawsuit.
Would have preferred to hear the superior, and somewhat less overplayed, "What is Life?"
bfandreas wrote:
Am I hearing John Lennon in the background choir?
I don't think so. Ringo played on this album, along with Jim Keltner, but I don't think John was on it.
My Sweet He's So Fine indeed. It might be similar in the hook, but its a different structure. Couldn't convince the judge. Same reason Ray Parker Jr. had to pay Huey Lewis...
steeler wrote:
All Things Must Pass -- the best solo effort by any of the Beatles, by far.
I concur. A wonderful man and gifted musician.
pushkinjim wrote:
This is SHIT !
tztz...what a nonsense... this is hare, hare!!
steeler wrote:
All Things Must Pass -- the best solo effort by any of the Beatles, by far.
Agree!
Good follow-up on the Cure.
Am I hearing John Lennon in the background choir? ...then again, I heard him in David Bowie's Across the Universe.
GawgaBoy wrote:
Hare Krishna... hare Rama
Rama Rama, Hare Hare
This is SHIT !
n4ku wrote:
sweet
my
4Finger wrote:
Good song, but come on, it's a little to repeative to be an 8?
Isn't the repetition meant to be part of the message... like a mantra?
Xeric wrote:
I've always held that Harrison was the second-coolest Beatle (after John, of course, with Ringo and Paul fighting it out for a far-distant third).
So very wrong. ;-)
All Things Must Pass -- the best solo effort by any of the Beatles, by far.
4Finger wrote:
Good song, but come on, it's a little to repeative to be an 8?
I've always held that Harrison was the second-coolest Beatle (after John, of course, with Ringo and Paul fighting it out for a far-distant third). But as for this song . . . I have to agree.